Pact dispenser vs. H110

[kimbernut]

I decided to try some H110 that was given to me by a friend on a few .44 Rem. mag. loads. With 22 grains start load I decided to use the Pact dispenser. During calibration I noticed a different sound but assumed just a different powder. After about 10 rounds the dispenser began to slow slightly. At 15 rounds the dispenser locked up. I figured after approx. seven years my dispenser had bitten the dust.
I got out my paperwork that came with the scale/dispenser setup to get contact info for Pact to see what it's going to run to rebuild the system. On the back page I read,"While we've not run into this problem in testing, it is theoretically possible for extremely fine ball powder such as H110 to jam between the powder tubes and their bushings preventing their rotation. While we're not recommending against using these fine ball powders, you should keep and eye out for this problem." Unfortunately Pact is closed 'til Monday 12/27 so I'll get with them then. Just venting a bit and hoping this helps prevent others from doing the same. Merry Christmas one and all!

 

[68wj]

I have not used the variety of powders that some have. I was very surprised how fine H110 is. Especially when static gets involved, it is very difficult to handle.

 

[cheygriz]

I wouldn't use a dispenser for any fine grain powder.

They meter accurately through any quality powder measure.
So I set the measure with my scale, and check one charge every time I refill the primer tube. (every 100 rounds)

 

[cfullgraf]

Kimbernut, thanks for the heads up. It has been a long time since I looked at the instructions for my Pact dispenser. I will have to check it out.

I normally only useit for working up rifle loads. I do not remember if I have used it with powder like W748 or AA2230 but I know that I have never run W296/H110 through it.

At least a few years ago, Pact was good at helping me on the phone with a problem with my scale. Hopefully, they are still helpful.

 

[ForneyRider]

H110 is sticky on the plastic of my RCBS electronic measure during the summer temps in Dallas area. So I try to load on cooler days or a/c the garage before loading.

The fineness of H110 has found it's way in all the cracks and crevices as well. I cleaned mine out with a can of compressed air with no issues.

 

[Par8head]

It's that full mount turkey you have in the corner of your shop - where is his litter box????
Sorry - had to butt in -
Wayne

 

[MCMXI]

I use a Redding 10X powder measure for H110 when I'm putting together .45 Colt, .454 Casull or .357 Mag loads. I had similar issues with H110 and the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500, but a powder measure is faster than the 1500 and more than accurate enough.

 

[kimbernut]

H110 vs. Pact Powder Dispenser

Spoke to Rep. at Pact this morning. He said to hand rotate and move the dispensing tubes in and out approx. 1/8" to loosen and knock out the fine particles of the H110. I did and it is working fine again. He explained that the fines of H110 are .004" and their bushing/tube clearance is .003" but after some time the natural wear on the bushings will allow the particles to pack in and bog it down. He also reminded me that H110 and W296 are the same so avoid both in this system. Problem solved. Thanks all. Funny, Wayne.